Michigan State Downs Indiana: Kohler & Fears Lead Spartans to Victory

No. 13 Michigan State continues impressive form with fourth straight win, led by standout performances from Jaxon Kohler and Jeremy Fears Jr.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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No. 13 Michigan State secured a 77-64 victory over Indiana on Sunday, marking their fourth consecutive win. The Spartans were led by stellar performances from Jaxon Kohler (21 points, 13 rebounds) and Jeremy Fears Jr. (21 points, 9 assists), showcasing a potent combination of inside power and perimeter shooting that proved difficult for the Hoosiers to contain.

Why it matters

Michigan State's balanced offensive attack and consistent winning streak have positioned them as a serious contender in the Big Ten tournament and beyond. The Spartans' ability to control the paint and shoot effectively from three-point range makes them a formidable opponent for any team.

The details

Jaxon Kohler's 12th double-double of the season underscores his emergence as a dominant force in the paint, providing a reliable foundation for the Spartans' offense. Equally crucial has been the play of Jeremy Fears Jr., who not only scored effectively but also orchestrated the offense with impressive vision, evidencing his nine assists. Michigan State's offensive prowess was further highlighted by Kur Teng's career-high 18 points, fueled by 6-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc, demonstrating the team's growing perimeter threat.

  • The win at Assembly Hall on Sunday, March 1, 2026 marked only the second time Michigan State has secured a victory in Bloomington in six attempts.
  • The victory came on coach Tom Izzo's first return to Indiana since breaking the Big Ten record for conference wins in February 2025.

The players

Jaxon Kohler

A dominant force in the paint for Michigan State, Kohler recorded his 12th double-double of the season with 21 points and 13 rebounds.

Jeremy Fears Jr.

The orchestrator of Michigan State's offense, Fears Jr. scored 21 points and dished out 9 assists, demonstrating his impressive vision and scoring ability.

Kur Teng

Teng's career-high 18 points, fueled by 6-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc, highlighted Michigan State's growing perimeter threat.

Tom Izzo

The legendary Michigan State head coach, Izzo's ability to consistently build competitive teams, even as the landscape of college basketball evolves, is a testament to his coaching acumen.

Lamar Wilkerson

The standout performer for Indiana, Wilkerson scored 29 points in the losing effort against Michigan State.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Michigan State's recent success is a testament to their cohesive team effort, with the ability to control the paint, shoot effectively from three-point range, and execute their coach's game plan consistently. This balanced attack makes them a serious threat in the Big Ten tournament and beyond, as they position themselves for a deep postseason run.